CNET First Look

Yale's Assure Lock SL ditches keys and clunkiness

This $169 touchscreen deadbolt is the slimmest Yale smart lock yet.

1:45 / November 28, 2017

Transcript

[MUSIC]
Yale's Assure SL touchscreen dead bolt is the sleekest and slimmest Yale lock yet.
For $169, you'll get a stylish secure deadbolt.
Pay $50 for a network module and you'll be able to integrate this lock into your smart home platform.
Yale really improved the exterior look of the touchscreen deadbolt with this lock.
The interior side is still a clunky box that houses four double A batteries, a thumb latch, and optional network module.
Installing the lock was easy enough as Yale offers instructions in print and through an audio guided third party app called Build.
The touch screen keypad has sound and voice guidance.
It's a nice feature that's made even nicer by the fact that you can turn it off completely if you'd prefer a silent lock.
The Assure SL has other helpful features like private lockout mode, one touch locking and auto relock.
With network modules enabled, you can lock and unlock the door remotely via your respective app.
There's a twisting though unlocking like we saw in other Assure locks and frankly I don't think it'll be missed.
For home kit users, Assure SL works with the Yale Secure App to connect the lock to home kit and adjust settings.
Zigbee and Z-Wave don't get an app, so all your lock settings will be adjusted either via your smart home platform's app or the keypad itself.
There aren't options to schedule temporary keys with this lock.
With the network module installed, you'll get 250 pin codes.
With no module, you'll only get 25.
To set them up or revoke them you'll need to go through a menu on the keypad itself.
Yale's Assure SL lock is an improvement stylistically over prior models and it's a solid grade two certified deadbolt.
But there aren't any ground breaking new features here.
If you're looking for something like August DoorSense or remote code scheduling, look elsewhere.
If you just want a slim touch screen key pad with easy smart home integration, Yale's got you covered with the Assure SL.

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